Cloud86 is a Netherlands-based web hosting provider that has gained attention for its focus on speed, reliability, and customer-centric services. Established in 2019, this relatively young company has quickly positioned itself as a competitive player in the hosting industry, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses, WordPress users, and e-commerce platforms. This article explores the key features, benefits, and offerings of Cloud86 hosting, providing an unbiased look at what makes it stand out.
Key Features of Cloud86 Hosting
1. Exceptional Speed and Performance
Cloud86 emphasizes high-performance hosting, leveraging advanced technologies to ensure fast website loading times. Their servers utilize SSD storage, LiteSpeed Cache, and Redis to optimize performance, particularly for WordPress and WooCommerce sites. Independent tests have recognized Cloud86 as one of the fastest hosting providers in Europe, which can enhance SEO rankings and improve user experience by reducing page load times.
2. Managed WordPress and WooCommerce Hosting
For users running WordPress or WooCommerce websites, Cloud86 offers tailored hosting plans optimized for these platforms. These plans include:
- WordPress Toolkit: Simplifies website management with one-click installations, automatic updates, and staging environments for testing changes before going live.
- Enhanced Security: Free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt, malware monitoring, and fewer customers per server to ensure better stability and uptime.
- Bi-Hourly Backups: Automated backups every 12 hours, allowing users to restore websites or emails quickly through the Plesk control panel.
3. User-Friendly Plesk Control Panel
Cloud86 uses the Plesk control panel, a powerful and intuitive interface for managing websites, emails, databases, and backups. Unlike some hosting providers that rely on complex or outdated panels, Plesk offers a streamlined experience, making it accessible for beginners while still providing advanced tools for experienced users. Features like one-click WordPress installation and detailed domain management enhance usability.
4. Free Migration Service
Switching hosting providers can be daunting, but Cloud86 simplifies the process with a free migration service (valued at €75) for its Medium and Unlimited plans. This service covers the transfer of websites, emails, and domains from a previous host, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime. Their support team assists throughout the process, addressing any technical challenges.
5. Robust Customer Support
Cloud86 prides itself on top-rated customer service, available via phone, email, live chat, and a comprehensive knowledge base. Support is accessible on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CET, with phone support available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CET. The knowledge base includes detailed guides on topics like Plesk setup, two-factor authentication, and domain management, empowering users to troubleshoot independently.
6. GDPR Compliance and Green Hosting
With servers located in trusted data centers in the Netherlands, Cloud86 ensures full GDPR compliance, making it an excellent choice for European businesses concerned about data privacy. Additionally, the company powers its infrastructure with 100% renewable energy, aligning with environmentally conscious practices without compromising performance.
7. Flexible Hosting Plans
Cloud86 offers a variety of hosting options to suit different needs, including:
- Shared Hosting: Starting at €1.95 per month, ideal for small to medium-sized websites with up to 20,000 monthly visitors.
- Managed WordPress Hosting: Optimized for WordPress, with plans that include premium support and caching technologies for faster load times.
- WooCommerce Hosting: Designed for e-commerce, with features like extended caching and malware monitoring.
- Managed VPS: For users needing dedicated resources without relying on shared server capacity, offering maximum performance and control.
- Business Email Hosting: Professional email solutions with spam and malware filters, accessible on any device via webmail or mobile configurations.
Plans are flexible, with options for one-month contracts (except for Start and Medium plans, which require a one-year commitment) and significant discounts for longer terms, such as three-year plans.
8. Security and Reliability
Security is a priority for Cloud86, with features like:
- Free SSL certificates automatically installed for secure browsing.
- Daily backups accessible via Plesk for quick recovery.
- Fewer customers per server to minimize performance impacts from other users.
- Advanced security measures, including protection against login attacks and continuous monitoring for hacks and malware.
Benefits of Choosing Cloud86
- Cost-Effective Pricing: Starting at just €1.95 per month, Cloud86 offers premium features at budget-friendly rates, with no hidden fees or aggressive upselling.
- Scalability: From shared hosting to managed VPS, Cloud86 provides plans that grow with your business, allowing easy upgrades as traffic or resource needs increase.
- Ease of Use: The Plesk control panel, WordPress Toolkit, and detailed knowledge base make managing websites straightforward, even for beginners.
- High Customer Satisfaction: With over 20,000 customers and 150,000 hosted websites, Cloud86 has earned a reputation for reliability and excellent support, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews.
Potential Considerations
While Cloud86 excels in many areas, there are a few aspects to consider:
- Domain Registration Costs: Unlike some providers, domain registration is not included for free with hosting plans.
- Limited VPS Offerings: Some reviews note that Cloud86’s managed VPS plans are less competitive in terms of resources compared to other providers, which may be a drawback for high-traffic sites.
- Support Availability: While customer support is highly rated, it is primarily available during business hours, which may not suit users needing 24/7 assistance.
Who Should Choose Cloud86?
Cloud86 is an excellent choice for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses looking for affordable, high-performance hosting.
- WordPress and WooCommerce users seeking optimized plans with easy management tools.
- European businesses prioritizing GDPR compliance and local data centers.
- Users who value responsive, professional support and a user-friendly control panel.
For those with larger websites or complex applications requiring extensive VPS resources, it may be worth comparing Cloud86’s offerings with other providers to ensure the best fit.
Conclusion
Cloud86 has carved out a strong niche in the web hosting market by combining speed, reliability, and customer-focused services at competitive prices. Its optimized WordPress and WooCommerce hosting, user-friendly Plesk panel, and commitment to GDPR compliance make it a compelling option for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you’re launching a new website, migrating an existing one, or running an online store, Cloud86 provides the tools and support needed for a seamless hosting experience. For those seeking a balance of performance, affordability, and ease of use, Cloud86 is a provider worth considering.